You never imagined your life could change so drastically in a single moment. Whether you suffered injuries or lost someone you love in a drunk driving accident in Columbus, Ohio, the pain, confusion, and anger you’re feeling right now can overwhelm anyone.
It’s hard to know where to turn, and harder still to think about the financial and legal burdens you’re now facing. No one should have to deal with the aftermath of someone else’s reckless choice to drink and drive.
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we understand the emotional and financial toll a drunk driving accident takes on your life. An experienced Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our dedicated attorneys are here to listen to your story and advise you of your rights to seek compensation.
We can handle all aspects of your case and provide the support you need during this difficult time. With the right legal representation, you can focus on healing while we take on the legal battles for you.
Columbus Drunk Driving Accidents Guide
- Why Are Drunk Drivers So Dangerous in Ohio?
- Ohio Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
- What Compensation You Could Receive from a Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Claim
- How Our Columbus Drunk Driving Attorneys Can Help You Get Compensation and Justice
- Why Choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy to Handle Your Columbus DUI Accident Claim?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Columbus, OH
- Contact an Experienced Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Now
What Is Drunk Driving in Ohio?
In Ohio, drunk driving is legally referred to as Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) or driving under the influence (DUI). The state defines drunk driving as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 years and older.
For commercial drivers, the limit is stricter at 0.04%, while for drivers under 21, it's 0.02%.
However, a driver can be charged with OVI even if their BAC is below these limits if they show signs of impairment. This includes being under the influence of drugs, whether illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter medications that affect one's ability to drive safely.
Ohio law enforcement uses various methods to detect drunk driving, including:
- Field sobriety tests
- Breathalyzer tests
- Blood or urine tests
- Observation of erratic driving behavior
Ohio has an implied consent law. By driving on Ohio roads, you implicitly agree to submit to chemical testing if an officer suspects you of OVI. Refusing such tests can result in automatic license suspension, regardless of whether you're ultimately convicted of OVI. A Columbus personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal consequences and protect your rights in such situations.
Why Are Drunk Drivers So Dangerous in Ohio?
Drunk drivers are dangerous because alcohol impairs critical functions needed for safe driving, including:
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol affects the brain's ability to make sound decisions. A drunk driver might take risks they'd normally avoid, like speeding or running red lights.
- Slower Reaction Times: Alcohol slows down the central nervous system, increasing the time it takes for a driver to react to sudden changes on the road, such as a pedestrian stepping into the street or a car braking suddenly.
- Reduced Coordination: Drinking impairs hand-eye-foot coordination, making it difficult to control a vehicle properly.
- Decreased Vision: Alcohol can blur vision and reduce the ability to judge distances accurately. It can also impair night vision and peripheral vision.
- Loss of Concentration: Drunk drivers often have difficulty focusing on the task of driving, easily becoming distracted or even falling asleep at the wheel.
- Increased Aggression: Some individuals become more aggressive or reckless when intoxicated, leading to dangerous driving behaviors.
- Impaired Information Processing: Alcohol affects the brain's ability to process information quickly, making it harder for drivers to interpret and respond to road signs, signals, and other drivers' actions.
- Loss of Balance and Stability: Even slight body sways can affect a driver's ability to steer straight or maintain their lane.
- Overconfidence: Paradoxically, while impairing driving skills, alcohol can also increase a person's confidence in their ability to drive safely.
- Inability to Multitask: Safe driving requires juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. Alcohol severely impairs this ability, making even simple maneuvers dangerous.
The combination of these impairments makes drunk drivers unpredictable and dangerous. They may swerve between lanes, drive at erratic speeds, fail to obey traffic signals, or be unable to respond appropriately to road conditions or other drivers.
This unpredictability not only puts the drunk driver at risk but also endangers passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else sharing the road.
Ohio Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
The staggering statistics surrounding drunk driving accidents in Ohio paint a sobering picture.
According to the latest crash data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol:
- 39,951 total OVI-related crashes occurred throughout the state during a recent three-year period.
- 24,359 people sustained injuries and 2,002 people died in drunk driving accidents.
- Franklin County and the Columbus area reported the most drunk driving crashes during this period than any other county in the state. More than 4,300 OVI-related crashes happened in the area.
- Around 54% of OVI-related crashes involved drivers aged 21-39, with males accounting for around 71% of crashes.
These numbers highlight just how dangerous impaired driving is on our roads. For those injured or who have lost loved ones, the statistics represent personal pain, loss, and hardship.
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we understand the human suffering behind these numbers and are committed to fighting for justice for victims and their families.
What Compensation You Could Receive from a Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Claim
After sustaining injuries or losses from a drunk driving accident in Ohio, an attorney can help you recover compensation, or damages, for:
- Medical Bills: From emergency care to surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs, these expenses add up quickly.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident.
- Mental Anguish: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property is often recoverable.
- Disfigurement: If the accident left you with scars or other visible marks, you may receive additional compensation.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse due to your injuries.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies due to the accident, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral costs as well as the loss of companionship and support, among others.
You could also receive compensation for home modification costs and in-home care costs.
In some cases, you may also recover punitive damages, which punish the drunk driver for their reckless actions and deter others from similar behavior.
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused, compensation can rebuild your life and hold the responsible party accountable.
How Our Columbus Drunk Driving Attorneys Can Help You Get Compensation and Justice
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, our legal team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal process so you can focus on healing.
Here’s how we can support you:
- Investigating the Accident: We gather critical evidence to build a rock-solid case. This includes police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. We handle all communication with insurers to make sure you get a fair settlement.
- Pursuing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
- Calculating Damages: We work with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to ensure you receive compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses, both current and future.
- Identifying Multiple Liability Sources: We'll explore all potential sources of compensation, including the drunk driver, the establishment that served alcohol (if applicable under Ohio's dram shop laws), and your own insurance policy for underinsured motorist coverage.
- Providing Compassionate Support: Throughout the entire process, we offer the guidance and compassion you need during this challenging time.
- Updating You Regularly: We'll keep you informed about the progress of your case and promptly return your calls and address your concerns.
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we're more than just your legal representatives—we're your advocates, your support system, and your partners in seeking justice. Let us put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you.
Why Choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy to Handle Your Columbus DUI Accident Claim?
When choosing a Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer, you want a team that truly cares about your well-being and is committed to getting results.
Here’s why so many injured people and families in Ohio trust O'Connor, Acciani & Levy:
- Decades of Experience: We’ve helped clients recover compensation for personal injury cases for more than 30 years. We understand the legal landscape in Ohio and how to navigate it effectively.
- Resources and Network: Our firm has the financial resources and professional network necessary to thoroughly investigate and litigate complex drunk driving accident cases.
- Client-Focused Approach: Your needs and concerns come first. We tailor our strategy to meet your unique situation and deliver personalized attention every step of the way. Our client testimonials show our commitment to those we serve.
- Proven Results: Our track record of successful settlements and verdicts speaks to our dedication and skill in handling complex cases.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
By choosing O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a team that genuinely cares about your recovery and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Columbus, OH
The most important thing is to seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. After that, document the scene if you can, gather witness contact information, and call the police.
Once you're safe, you contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Proving a driver was intoxicated typically involves evidence like police reports, BAC test results, witness testimony, and sometimes surveillance footage or dashcam videos. Your attorney will gather and present this evidence to strengthen your claim.
Yes. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can help explore all available options.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can preserve and collect valuable evidence to support your claim.
Contact an Experienced Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Now
If a drunk driver caused a crash that injured you or killed a close family member, don’t suffer in silence, and don’t wait to get the legal help you need.
Turn to O'Connor, Acciani & Levy for experienced representation and compassionate support to help you maximize your compensation and recover as much as possible from this senseless tragedy.
Our personal Injury attorneys in Columbus are ready to speak with you during a free consultation. Contact us today at (614) 545-5162 and take the first step towards recovery and justice. With our help, you can hold the drunk driver accountable and get the financial recovery you and your family deserve.
